Slaty-backed Gull
Larus schistisagus

f8 @ 1/1600s, ISO:800, Nikon D300S w 300mm

\"Slaty-backed Gull,\" Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The slaty-backed gull is a large white-headed gull that breeds on the western coast of Alaska but travels widely during nonbreeding seasons.The slaty-backed gull is the fourth largest species of gull in the world. It is considered the North Pacific equivalent of the largest gull species, the great black-backed gull. measuring 55–68.5 cm (21.7–27.0 in) in length, 132–160 cm (52–63 in) in wingspan and weighing 1.05–1.7 kg (2.3–3.7 lb). Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 40.6 to 48 cm (16.0 to 18.9 in), the bill is 4.8 to 6.5 cm (1.9 to 2.6 in) and the tarsus is 6 to 7.6 cm (2.4 to 3.0 in). It has a white head, belly, and tail with a dark slaty-gray back and wings with a broad white trailing edge. The wings and back are slightly darker than those of the Western Gull. The underside of the wings features a \"string of pearls\" pattern along their edges; these can be seen from below when the bird is in flight. Its eyes are yellow. The legs are pink and short when compared with those of similar-looking gulls, and the body appears more stout. The bill is yellow with orange-red subterminal spot.

Hokkaido, Japan

02/22/2012